Carbon

Carbon (C)

Atomic Number: 6
Atomic Weight: 12.01
Melting Point: 3550
Boiling Point: 4827
Specific Gravity: 1.8-2.1 (amorphous); 1.9-2.3 (graphite); 3.15-3.53 (diamond)
Valence(s): 2,3, or 4
Carbon is present throughout nature. This element is found in the sun, stars, and comets. Diamond and graphite are the two elemental forms of carbon. Diamond is the hardest substance known, while graphite is quite soft. Carbon is the basis of organic chemistry. [LM] {RW}